Australian Mushroom Growers Association

AMGA does not encourage wild mushroom foraging.

 

Wild foraging is extremely dangerous, unless you are with a qualified mycologist (a fungi specialist).

Throughout the year, and particularly more prevalent in the cooler months, mushrooms of all shapes and sizes can be found popping up in forests, paddocks or even back gardens all over Australia. Some wild mushrooms look quite similar to ordinary mushrooms that you find in a store, but in fact could be poisonous or deadly. It is very difficult, even for an expert, to identify wild mushroom varieties suitable for consumption. It's simply not worth the risk. 

AMGA recommends consumers purchase Australian grown mushrooms though retailers or suitable farmers markets. Mushrooms grown commercially are high quality and grown under strict Food Safety Policies. Not only will this ensure the mushrooms are safe to eat, but will ensure the mushrooms are of the highest quality.

Which Australian Mushrooms are Safe to Eat? 

Mushrooms are FUNGI and not a plant, therefore they grow in a very unique way. It is estimated that we know only 5% of the planet's 2.2 - 3.8 million fungal species. Learn why mushrooms that are commercially grown in Australia, and sold to reputable retailers are safe to eat, while some species found growing in the wild, could be poisonous.

Download the Fact Sheet 

OFFICIAL STATEMENT - Leongatha Wild Mushroom Poisoning

  • The Australian Mushroom Growers Association – and the entire industry – offers our deepest condolences to the families of those impacted by the tragedy in Leongatha, Victoria.
  • The AMGA echoes the advice from the Victorian Department of Health, which warns people against picking and consuming wild mushrooms.
  • We strongly urge people to only consume mushrooms sold at a trusted retailer, like a supermarket, green-grocer or quality farmers market. They are safe, healthy and quality assured through the rigorous supplier standards of mushrooms in Australian supermarkets.
  • Australian mushroom growers adhere to world-leading food safety standards and work with major retailers to ensure traceability through the supply chain.
  • Button, cup, BBQ flat mushrooms, as well as swiss browns and portobello are all of the 'Agaricus bisporus' species. They grow commercially in a highly controlled environment, on bed of compost, which is specific for that species.
  • 'Death caps' are the 'Amanita phalloides' species, which are symbiotic, which means they must grow with a host tree. It is impossible to grow Amanita phalloides on a commercial Agaricus mushroom farm.   
  • Store bought mushrooms are safe – this is the bottom line.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT - Imported Enoki Mushrooms 

Enoki mushrooms sold in Australia are widely imported from China and South Korea. FSANZ has recently been monitoring the importation of this product and the AMGA supports this.

It’s worth reminding consumers that all Australian grown mushrooms, sold at major retailers, are safe, healthy and of the highest quality. AMGA members adhere to world-leading food safety standards and work closely with major retailers to ensure traceability through the supply chain.

To ensure quality, the AMGA strongly recommends consumers look for the ‘Australian Grown label’ and only purchase 100 per cent Australian grown mushrooms.